Funding questioned for historic Lee County homes

Reporter: Mike Walcher
Published: Updated:

FORT MYERS, Fla.- The use of taxpayer money to maintain private, historic homes in Lee County is now under fire.

The preservation program began in 1989 and has awarded more money to private homeowners, about $660,000, than to the owners of public buildings.

“When you look at these properties going forward, I would really like to see taxpayer dollars only used on public properties and not on people’s personal, private homes, because at the end of the day, nobody’s going to fix up your house when you need a roof,” said Commissioner Brian Hamman.

Homeowners apply to receive historic status, then the county preservation board decides who meets the criteria, which includes importance to the growth and history of Lee County.

Others say preservation is worth some taxpayer dollars.

“Anything in history and preservation, I’m for,” said Helen Court. “I don’t mind my tax money going to that.”

At a workshop Tuesday afternoon, commissioners tackled the issue, with staff recommending Lee County stop funding private homeowners. Commissioners, however, were not ready to reach consensus on that option, asking the staff for more study, and opting to make a decision later on.

The State of Florida has a preservation program and it does not cover private homes or buildings. One option would be to follow the state’s lead, and tie Lee County money to state grants.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.